Interleaved bitmap image
File type: Bitmap image file
An lbm file extension was used for Interleaved bitmap image format.
Found 2 different file type records with the same lbm filename suffix.
File type category:
Bitmap image file
Date updated: July 14, 2025
Record marked as obsolete and not updated for a long time.
The lbm file extension is related to old bitmap format.
The lbm files are saved using an IFF Bitmap header and IFF color map.
Its native format is a subclass of IFF called PBM, and compresses its images as bytes using the PackBits compression type, giving a ratio of up to 1:10. (This technique is somewhat unique to Deluxe Paint, and Electronic Arts have been keeping it a total "secret").
Many common bitmap viewers support this kind of file format. Try XnView or AcdSee to view lbm images.
Possibly can be exported to other formats.
Englishimage/x-iffimage/x-ilbmSoftware applications that can open lbm files:
Microsoft Windows
Software applications that can edit lbm files:
Microsoft Windows
Software capable of saving lbm files:
Microsoft Windows
Programs for viewing lbm files:
Microsoft Windows
Software apps that print lbm files:
Microsoft Windows
Multiplatform
File type category:
Game file
Date updated: October 16, 2026
The lbm file extension is used by UFO: Enemy Unknown, a turn-based strategy game from MicroProse. The game was released for MS-DOS and Amiga computers; in North America, it was released as X-COM: UFO Defense.
An lbm file contains game data used by the software. It is an internal resource file rather than a document intended for independent use, and forms part of the game's collection of program and data files.
The MS-DOS version can run on Microsoft Windows through DOSBox. A DOSBox-based release of the original game has also been distributed through Steam.
Open the lbm file from the installed UFO: Enemy Unknown game directory with the game itself. It is normally loaded automatically when the game runs and is not intended to be opened as a standalone document.
On Microsoft Windows, run the MS-DOS version through DOSBox or use a DOSBox-based release of the game. Changing the file's name or location may prevent the game from loading its data.
The lbm file is an internal game data resource and has no practical general-purpose conversion format. It should remain in the game's original format for UFO: Enemy Unknown to use it.
Software applications that handle other tasks involving lbm files:
Microsoft MS-DOS
